Ministry of Education

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) receive significant attention for electrochemical energy storage and conversion owing to their wide availability and the low cost of Na resources. However, SIBs face challenges of low specific energy, short cycling life, and insufficient specific power, owing to the heavy mass and large radius of Na(+) ions. As an important component of SIBs, cathode materials have a significant effect on the SIB electrochemical performance. The most recent advances and prospects of inorganic and organic cathode materials are summarized here. Among current cathode materials, layered transition-metal oxides achieve high specific energies around 600 mW h g(-1) owing to their high specific capacities of 180-220 mA h g(-1) and their moderate operating potentials of 2.7-3.2 V (vs Na(+) /Na). Porous Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 /C nanomaterials exhibit excellent cycling performance with almost 100% retention over 1000 cycles owing to their robust structural framework. Recent emerging cathode materials, such as amorphous NaFePO4 and pteridine derivatives show interesting electrochemical properties and attractive prospects for application in SIBs. Future work should focus on strategies to enhance the overall performance of cathode materials in terms of specific energy, cycling life, and rate capability with cationic doping, anionic substitution, morphology fabrication, and electrolyte matching.

Abstract Femtosecond‐laser micromachining (also known as inscription or writing) has been developed as one of the most efficient techniques for direct three‐dimensional microfabrication of transparent optical materials. In integrated photonics, by using direct writing of femtosecond/ultrafast laser pulses, optical waveguides can be produced in a wide variety of optical materials. With diverse parameters, the formed waveguides may possess different configurations. This paper focuses on crystalline dielectric materials, and is a review of the state‐of‐the‐art in the fabrication, characterization and applications of femtosecond‐laser micromachined waveguiding structures in optical crystals and ceramics. A brief outlook is presented by focusing on a few potential spotlights.

Fluorinated graphene, an up-rising member of the graphene family, combines a two-dimensional layer-structure, a wide bandgap, and high stability and attracts significant attention because of its unique nanostructure and carbon-fluorine bonds. Here, we give an extensive review of recent progress on synthetic methods and C-F bonding; additionally, we present the optical, electrical and electronic properties of fluorinated graphene and its electrochemical/biological applications. Fluorinated graphene exhibits various types of C-F bonds (covalent, semi-ionic, and ionic bonds), tunable F/C ratios, and different configurations controlled by synthetic methods including direct fluorination and exfoliation methods. The relationship between the types/amounts of C-F bonds and specific properties, such as opened bandgap, high thermal and chemical stability, dispersibility, semiconducting/insulating nature, magnetic, self-lubricating and mechanical properties and thermal conductivity, is discussed comprehensively. By optimizing the C-F bonding character and F/C ratios, fluorinated graphene can be utilized for energy conversion and storage devices, bioapplications, electrochemical sensors and amphiphobicity. Based on current progress, we propose potential problems of fluorinated graphene as well as the future challenge on the synthetic methods and C-F bonding character. This review will provide guidance for controlling C-F bonds, developing fluorine-related effects and promoting the application of fluorinated graphene.

Abstract Noble metal electrocatalysts (e.g., Pt, Ru, etc.) suffer from sluggish kinetics of water dissociation for the electrochemical reduction of water to molecular hydrogen in alkaline and neutral pH environments. Herein, we found that an integration of Ru nanoparticles (NPs) on oxygen-deficient WO 3-x manifested a 24.0-fold increase in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity compared with commercial Ru/C electrocatalyst in neutral electrolyte. Oxygen-deficient WO 3-x is shown to possess large capacity for storing protons, which could be transferred to the Ru NPs under cathodic potential. This significantly increases the hydrogen coverage on the surface of Ru NPs in HER and thus changes the rate-determining step of HER on Ru from water dissociation to hydrogen recombination.

Abstract In view of increasing drug resistance, ecofriendly photoelectrical materials are promising alternatives to antibiotics. Here we design an interfacial Schottky junction of Bi 2 S 3 /Ti 3 C 2 T x resulting from the contact potential difference between Ti 3 C 2 T x and Bi 2 S 3 . The different work functions induce the formation of a local electrophilic/nucleophilic region. The self-driven charge transfer across the interface increases the local electron density on Ti 3 C 2 T x . The formed Schottky barrier inhibits the backflow of electrons and boosts the charge transfer and separation. The photocatalytic activity of Bi 2 S 3 /Ti 3 C 2 T x intensively improved the amount of reactive oxygen species under 808 nm near-infrared radiation. They kill 99.86% of Staphylococcus aureus and 99.92% of Escherichia coli with the assistance of hyperthermia within 10 min. We propose the theory of interfacial engineering based on work function and accordingly design the ecofriendly photoresponsive Schottky junction using two kinds of components with different work functions to effectively eradicate bacterial infection.

The application of photothermal therapy to treat bacterial infections remains a challenge, as the high temperatures required for bacterial elimination can damage healthy tissues. Here, we develop an exogenous antibacterial agent consisting of zinc-doped Prussian blue (ZnPB) that kills methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in a rat model of cutaneous wound infection. Local heat triggered by the photothermal effect accelerates the release and penetration of ions into the bacteria, resulting in alteration of intracellular metabolic pathways and bacterial killing without systemic toxicity. ZnPB treatment leads to the upregulation of genes involved in tissue remodeling, promotes collagen deposition and enhances wound repair. The efficient photothermal conversion of ZnPB allows the use of relatively few doses and low laser flux, making the platform a potential alternative to current antibiotic therapies against bacterial wound infections.

Abstract 0D/2D heterojunctions, especially quantum dots (QDs)/nanosheets (NSs) have attracted significant attention for use of photoexcited electrons/holes due to their high charge mobility. Herein, unprecedent heterojunctions of vanadate (AgVO 3 , BiVO 4 , InVO 4 and CuV 2 O 6 ) QDs/graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 ) NSs exhibiting multiple unique advances beyond traditional 0D/2D composites have been developed. The photoactive contribution, up‐conversion absorption, and nitrogen coordinating sites of g‐C 3 N 4 NSs, highly dispersed vanadate nanocrystals, as well as the strong coupling and band alignment between them lead to superior visible‐light‐driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) and photocatalytic performance, competing with the best reported photocatalysts. This work is expected to provide a new concept to construct multifunctional 0D/2D nanocomposites for a large variety of opto‐electronic applications, not limited in photocatalysis.

Abstract The unstable triplet excited state is a core problem when developing self‐protective room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in carbon dots (CDs). Here, fluorine and nitrogen codoped carbon dots (FNCDs) with long‐lived triplet excited states, emitting pH‐stabilized blue fluorescence and pH‐responsive green self‐protective RTP, are reported for the first time. The self‐protective RTP of FNCDs arises from n–π * electron transitions for CN/CN bonds with a small energy gap between singlet and triplet states at room temperature. Moreover, the interdot/intradot hydrogen bonds and steric protection of CF bonds reduce quenching of RTP by oxygen at room temperature. The RTP emission of FNCDs shows outstanding reversibility, while the blue fluorescence emission has good pH stability. Based on these FNCDs, a data encoding/reading strategy for advanced anticounterfeiting is proposed via time‐resolved luminescence imaging techniques, as well as steganography of complex patterns.

Designing high-performance and cost-effective electrocatalysts toward oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions in water-alkali electrolyzers is pivotal for large-scale and sustainable hydrogen production. Earth-abundant transition metal oxide-based catalysts are particularly active for oxygen evolution reaction; however, they are generally considered inactive toward hydrogen evolution reaction. Here, we show that strain engineering of the outermost surface of cobalt(II) oxide nanorods can turn them into efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction. They are competitive with the best electrocatalysts for this reaction in alkaline media so far. Our theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that the tensile strain strongly couples the atomic, electronic structure properties and the activity of the cobalt(II) oxide surface, which results in the creation of a large quantity of oxygen vacancies that facilitate water dissociation, and fine tunes the electronic structure to weaken hydrogen adsorption toward the optimum region.

Precisely regulating the electronic structures of metal active species is highly desirable for electrocatalysis. However, carbon with inert surface provide weak metal-support interaction, which is insufficient to modulate the electronic structures of metal nanoparticles. Herein, we propose a new method to control the electrocatalytic behavior of supported metal nanoparticles by dispersing single metal atoms on an O-doped graphene. Ideal atomic metal species are firstly computationally screened. We then verify this concept by deposition of Ru nanoparticles onto an O-doped graphene decorated with single metal atoms (e.g., Fe, Co, and Ni) for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Consistent with theoretical predictions, such hybrid catalysts show outstanding HER performance, much superior to other reported electrocatalysts such as the state-of-the-art Pt/C. This work offers a new strategy for modulating the activity and stability of metal nanoparticles for electrocatalysis processes.

Nuclear localization signals (NLS) are generally short peptides that act as a signal fragment that mediates the transport of proteins from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. This NLS-dependent protein recognition, a process necessary for cargo proteins to pass the nuclear envelope through the nuclear pore complex, is facilitated by members of the importin superfamily. Here, we summarized the types of NLS, focused on the recently reported related proteins containing nuclear localization signals, and briefly summarized some mechanisms that do not depend on nuclear localization signals into the nucleus. Video Abstract.

We successfully fabricate flexible electrochromic supercapacitor (SC) electrodes employing novel flexible transparent conducting substrates. The as-synthesized flexible electrochromic SC electrodes exhibit great electrochemical performances (13.6 mF cm(-2), 138.2 F g(-1)) and high coloration efficiency (80.2 cm(2) C(-1)), which demonstrate their potential applications in flexible smart windows combining energy storage and electrochromism.

More than just skin deep: Carbon-coated CdS petalous particles have been synthesized through a one-pot solvothermal method. The carbon nanocoating serves multiple functions, including protection of the CdS surface, enhancement of visible light absorption, and facilitating the separation of photogenerated charges. As a result, this CdS-C nanohybrid photocatalyst exhibits significantly enhanced photostability and photocatalytic activity. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

The facet‐engineered surface and interface design for photocatalytic materials has been proven as a versatile approach to enhance their photocatalytic performance. This review article encompasses some recent advances in the facet engineering that has been performed to control the surface of mono‐component semiconductor systems and to design the surface and interface structures of multi‐component heterostructures toward photocatalytic applications. The review begins with some key points which should receive attention in the facet engineering on photocatalytic materials. We then discuss the synthetic approaches to achieve the facet control associated with the surface and interface design. In the following section, the facet‐engineered surface design on mono‐component photocatalytic materials is introduced, which forms a basis for the discussion on more complex systems. Subsequently, we elucidate the facet‐engineered surface and interface design of multi‐component photocatalytic materials. Finally, the existing challenges and future prospects are discussed.

), which reinforced the polarization of macrophages through the activation of the RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase signaling pathway.

Highly efficient utilization of solar light with an excellent reduction capacity is achieved for plasmonic Fe@C nanostructures. By carbon layer coating, the optimized catalyst exhibits enhanced selectivity and stability applied to the solar-driven reduction of CO2 into CO. The surface-plasmon effect of iron particles is proposed to excite CO2 molecules, and thereby facilitates the final reaction activity. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Room-temperature gas sensors have aroused great attention in current gas sensor technology because of deemed demand of cheap, low power consumption and portable sensors for rapidly growing Internet of things applications. As an important approach, light illumination has been exploited for room-temperature operation with improving gas sensor's attributes including sensitivity, speed and selectivity. This review provides an overview of the utilization of photoactivated nanomaterials in gas sensing field. First, recent advances in gas sensing of some exciting different nanostructures and hybrids of metal oxide semiconductors under light illumination are highlighted. Later, excellent gas sensing performance of emerging two-dimensional materials-based sensors under light illumination is discussed in details with proposed gas sensing mechanism. Originated impressive features from the interaction of photons with sensing materials are elucidated in the context of modulating sensing characteristics. Finally, the review concludes with key and constructive insights into current and future perspectives in the light-activated nanomaterials for optoelectronic gas sensor applications.

Abstract Under development for next‐generation wearable electronics are flexible, knittable, and wearable energy‐storage devices with high energy density that can be integrated into textiles. Herein, knittable fiber‐shaped zinc–air batteries with high volumetric energy density (36.1 mWh cm −3 ) are fabricated via a facile and continuous method with low‐cost materials. Furthermore, a high‐yield method is developed to prepare the key component of the fiber‐shaped zinc–air battery, i.e., a bifunctional catalyst composed of atomically thin layer‐by‐layer mesoporous Co 3 O 4 /nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (N‐rGO) nanosheets. Benefiting from the high surface area, mesoporous structure, and strong synergetic effect between the Co 3 O 4 and N‐rGO nanosheets, the bifunctional catalyst exhibits high activity and superior durability for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. Compared to a fiber‐shaped zinc–air battery using state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C + RuO 2 catalysts, the battery based on these Co 3 O 4 /N‐rGO nanosheets demonstrates enhanced and stable electrochemical performance, even under severe deformation. Such batteries, for the first time, can be successfully knitted into clothes without short circuits under external forces and can power various electronic devices and even charge a cellphone.

Abstract Highly efficient and stable catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction, especially in alkaline conditions are crucial for the practical demands of electrochemical water splitting. Here, the synthesis of a novel RuAu single‐atom alloy (SAA) by laser ablation in liquid is reported. The SAA exhibits a high stability and a low overpotential, 24 mV@10 mA cm −2 , which is much lower than that of a Pt/C catalyst (46 mV) in alkaline media. Moreover, the turnover frequency of RuAu SAA is three times that of Pt/C catalyst. Density functional theory computation indicates the excellent catalytic activity of RuAu SAAs originates from the relay catalysis of Ru and Au active sites. This work opens a new avenue toward high‐performance SAAs via fast quenching of immiscible metals.

A facile and binder‐free method is developed for the in situ and horizontal growth of ultrathin mesoporous Co 3 O 4 layers on the surface of carbon fibers in the carbon cloth (ultrathin Co 3 O 4 /CC) as high‐performance air electrode for the flexible Zn–air battery. In particular, the ultrathin Co 3 O 4 layers have a maximum contact area on the conductive support, facilitating the rapid electron transport and preventing the aggregation of ultrathin layers. The ultrathin feature of Co 3 O 4 layers is characterized by the transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectra, and X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Benefiting from the high utilization degree of active materials and rapid charge transport, the mass activity for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions of the ultrathin Co 3 O 4 /CC electrode is more than 10 times higher than that of the carbon cloth loaded with commercial Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles. Compared to the commercial Co 3 O 4 /CC electrode, the flexible Zn–air battery using ultrathin Co 3 O 4 /CC electrode exhibits excellent rechargeable performance and high mechanical stability. Furthermore, the flexible Zn–air battery is integrated with a flexible display unit. The whole integrated device can operate without obvious performance degradation under serious deformation and even during the cutting process, which makes it highly promising for wearable and roll‐up optoelectronics.